Good Times
(On a) Roll
Salami, cheese, olives, and bread – this hearty sandwich layers all your appetizer–platter favorites into a single bite!
A little wine, some tasty snacks, cute decorations, and a lot of happy memories with great friends! Ask each couple to bring a bottle and a favorite nibble to help you host an elegant-but-easy wine tasting soirée.
Salami, cheese, olives, and bread – this hearty sandwich layers all your appetizer–platter favorites into a single bite!
Lindsay Black Olives, Green Olives, Red Roasted Peppers, and Capers
Ask guests to bring nibbles that play off a theme – Spanish tapas, California small plates, or Italian antipasti–along with wines made in the chosen region.
Sparkling wines make a great choice, especially around the holidays. The POP! of the cork sets a festive tone, and a flute full of bubbly helps any party feel like a celebration whether you're nibbling caviar or chips and dip. On a budget? Spanish cava is often half the price of its French cousin, Champagne.
By Brittini Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch
For a unique way to display wine pairings during your holiday party, try this chalkboard wreath DIY sign idea. Since rosemary is used to create the wreath, this piece is not only functional, but also fragrant for the holiday season.
Start by priming the wood circle with 1-2 coats of primer.
Once the primer is completely dry, paint with chalkboard paint.
Once the the chalkboard paint is dry, you can start attaching rosemary sprigs with hot glue. The easiest way to do this is to run a bead of glue around the circle, toward the edge, and attach the rosemary as you go. Then add a few sprigs of pepperberry the same way and you're ready to entertain...
Photography by Amelia Tatnall of Bloom & Lo
Food pairings aren't just for chardonnay and cabernet anymore. Here are four other festive beverages that complement holiday food.
A farmhouse style – like Saison Dupont or Ommegang Hennepin – cuts through the gooey richness of P'tit Basque or triple crème Brie.
Designated drivers love to sip a festive, non-alcoholic sparkler. Spike fizzy water with a sprig of rosemary or long orange spiral.
Serve crisp, dry cider – a French or English style works well – alongside flaky pastry twists made with the sharpest cheddar.
Some drinkers consider a pint of Guinness dessert all by itself. Pair it with gooey, spicy cake and you're sure to be enchanted.
Dip dried apricots into melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve with small glasses of port or dessert wine.